This Single Guy from Atlanta Reveals How Less Debt Reduces Stress

Q: Where do you live?
Atlanta, GA

Q: What’s the biggest accomplishment you achieved on your own?
I have been able to purchase 2 homes on my own. Usually home buying is most popular among couples. 

Q: What inspired you to start writing about how much you spend, earn and save?
I was so tired of all the sleepless nights. I used to stress so much about how much debt that I had and it started to affect my sleep. I was so tired during the day from not being able to sleep. I got tired of being tired and decided to make a change. I was able to pay off my credit card debt and my car loan and felt that I should share my experience with others who may be in the same situation and think they can't get out of debt. 

Q: In terms of financial safety, what is the biggest lesson you have learned since you started?
Stop trying to keep up with the Jones's. Looks can be deceiving as we've learned from the current housing crisis. The family living in the big house and driving the nice cars probably can't afford any of it.

Q: In your opinion, what are some of the biggest challenges singles face when it comes to saving and spending?
The biggest problem that I've found is that most personal finance magazines and personal finance websites are usually geared toward couples. Most of the advice they offer can still be used; it just needs to be tailored to your situation. 

Q: Any financial rules to help our single readers?
Save, Save, Save. Make sure you have money saved in case of an emergency. As singles, we don't have the second income of a spouse or significant other to help cushion the financial blow. 

Q: What was the easiest thing you did to cut back on spending?
I stopped eating out so much. I was eating out for lunch and dinner and the cost really added up. If you want to hang out with your friends, have them come over for a home cooked dinner and save money.

Q: Do you have any cost-friendly dating spots in your area?
My suggestion is to have a nice picnic at your local park. Mostly every town has a park relatively close. Pack a basket, take a blanket and have a nice frugal date. 

Q: What are some of your favorite financial tools or resources we should know about?
There is a wealth of personal finance information on the internet. You have to be careful though because some of the information can be outdated or incorrect. Some of the sites I frequent include: Get Rich Slowly, Fatwallet and Clark Howard.

Q: Any more words of wisdom?
Don't let the fact that you are single get you down. Some people are better off single (including myself). This is not to say that if you meet that perfect mate, you shouldn't act on it.

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